If you’re a high school student looking to spend this summer learning about STEM fields on an advanced level, STEM summer programs in the UK for high school students offer an impactful way to immerse yourself in something new and meaningful. These programs introduce you to real-world challenges in medicine, technology, science, and other STEM disciplines, helping you understand professional environments and future opportunities.

Imagine attending lectures in historic laboratories, working on problem-solving challenges with students from across the globe, or applying theoretical concepts through experiments, coding projects, and engineering design tasks. These programs combine academic rigor with cultural immersion.

Even if you already live in the UK, participating in a STEM summer program can change how you see familiar places. You’ll experience campus life from the perspective of a university student, collaborate with peers who share your curiosity, and gain independence in an intellectually stimulating setting.

How to identify the best STEM summer programs for high school students in the UK?

The best STEM summer programs not only give you theoretical knowledge but also allow you to engage in interactive discussions, laboratory work, and projects that help you solve real-world challenges in STEM. Top Universities in the UK offer STEM summer programs that allow you to experience life as a working professional, learn about the latest research areas in STEM, and choose from a wide range of subjects to explore.

You might experience confusion in pursuing a particular discipline in the future, or you might be struggling with proper guidance to understand where your true interest lies. Pursuing a STEM summer program in the UK can be a stepping stone towards clarity in your future career path. 

So, to help you decide, we’ve come up with a list of 15 STEM summer programs in the UK. They’ve been selected for their skill development opportunities, research exploration, practical work, and experienced faculty guidance.

15 STEM Summer Programs in the UK for High School Students

1. Imperial College Medicine and Life Sciences Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, London, England
Cost: £7,695 ($10,406.76)
Dates: Session I: June 30th – July 11th; Session II: August 4-14
Application Deadline: Rolling (first-come, first-served basis)
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 16-17; must not turn 18 during or before the program

Imperial College Medicine and Life Sciences Summer School offers you a learning experience from health professionals, making it one of the most academically rigorous STEM summer programs in the UK for high school students. You’ll learn the latest research techniques, develop hands-on clinical skills, and engage in clinical skills workshops. The program spans two weeks, the first week is focused on medicine sessions and skills, including suturing, measuring blood pressure, nasogastric tube, sim lab, and more.  

You’ll conduct practical experiments, engage in data collection and analysis, and attend lecture sessions. The program will also include life-science sessions. The second week involves an innovation challenge where you’ll share expertise with students from other academic subjects and work together to solve a real-world challenge. The challenge is led by Imperial Enterprise Lab and will give you a chance to develop presentation, communication, and teamwork skills.

Why it stands out: You’ll receive unique med training, master hands-on clinical skills, and work on a real-world innovation challenge.

2. Immerse Education’s Pre-University Summer School

Location: Oxford, Cambridge, and London
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students around the world aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

The Academic Insights Program provides school students with an opportunity to take undergraduate-level classes at universities around the world. Participants work with academics from universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard in classes of 4-10 students. They attend university-style lectures and 1:1 weekly sessions with their tutor.

The program includes practical experiences such as dissections in medicine, robotic arm building in engineering, or moot courts for law. You can choose from several STEM subjects, including artificial intelligence, computer science, physics, chemistry, biology, and more. By the end of the program, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You take undergrad-level classes at top universities like Oxford or Harvard in small groups of 4-10. You get 1:1 tutor sessions, hands-on labs like dissections or robot-building, and finish with your own project plus feedback.

3. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School 

Location: King’s College London, London, UK
Cost: Varies by program length. More information here
Dates: Session 1: July 6-10; Session 2: July 13-17; Session 3: July 20-24; Session 4: July 27-31
Application Deadline: April 10th
Eligibility: Students all over the world aged 16-17

King’s College London Pre-University Summer School offers four sessions of courses across multiple disciplines, positioning it among the most flexible STEM summer programs in the UK for high school students. Each one-week course is developed through expert guidance from King’s faculty and academics. You’ll attend lectures, seminars, and Q&A sessions with guest speakers based on your chosen subject.

You can opt for more than one course, work on assignments, and receive constructive feedback from tutors. There are multiple disciplines that you can choose from, including medical science, psychology, science, technology, engineering, and many more. On the completion of the program, you’ll receive a King’s Certificate of Completion.

Why it stands out: You choose from multiple one-week courses in fields like medical science or engineering. King’s faculty guide you through lectures, seminars, and guest Q&As, with assignments, tutor feedback, and a certificate.

4. Imperial College Work Experience Programme

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
Cost: Free
Dates: June 29th – July 3rd
Application Deadline: March 6th
Eligibility: Year 12 Students attending State schools in the UK

The Imperial College Work Experience Program offers you the opportunity to explore life as a researcher and a higher education career. You’ll experience life as a working professional, navigate a professional environment, and explore the world of research at Imperial. This is a fully-funded program that offers a chance to interact with your peers over lunch breaks and meet deadlines. You’ll attend workshops, engage in research laboratories, and gain access to specialist technical suites.

Some of the streams offered by the program include physics, bioengineering, mathematics, biomedical research, and more. You’ll also attend talk sessions where you’ll be guided on University applications by learning to write effective personal statements and develop interview skills.

Why it stands out: You experience researcher life at Imperial in a fully funded program, using labs in physics or bioengineering. You meet peers, handle deadlines, and get uni application guidance.

5. LSE’s Introduction to Data Science and Machine Learning

Location: London School of Economics campus, central London
Cost: Varies with program length. More information here (non-refundable £60 application fee)
Dates: July 13th – July 31st
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: High school worldwide students familiar with introductory level quantitative methods up to linear regression analysis, comfortable engaging with quantitative notation and concepts.

LSE’s Introduction to Data Science and Machine Learning program introduces you to the quantitative analysis of data. You’ll learn a range of topics, including the challenges behind big data analysis using statistical methods and the role of machine learning and data science in the generation of knowledge and better decision-making.

You’ll learn the fundamental concepts in data science and data analytics from leading faculty. You’ll also explore large language models, data mapping,  generative AI, and unstructured data like images. If you’re a high school student interested in learning core techniques in data visualisation, wrangling, regression, and statistical reasoning, then this program can be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You learn data science basics from LSE faculty, covering big data analysis, machine learning, generative AI, large language models, and techniques like visualisation, wrangling, regression, and statistical reasoning.

6. Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research: Molecular Medicine Workshops

Location: University College London, UK
Cost: Residential: Double Room – $3880; Single Room – $4180; Commuter: $2280
Dates: August 3-15
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students around the world aged 14-18

The Molecular Medicine workshops offer an engaging, hands-on laboratory experience in AI-enhanced bioinformatics and developmental biology. You’ll learn from PhD-level instructors, and understand experimental design,  modern drug development, and the importance of personalised medicine. You’ll also work on an original research project on a topic of your choice.

You’ll sharpen your academic skills, college portfolio, and gain exposure to different career options. If you’re a high school student interested in learning about gene and molecular processes, along with the experience of making new friends, then this program can be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn from experienced instructors, develop new skills, and get to work on a research project.

7. University of Edinburgh Pre-University Summer School

Location: University of Edinburgh, UK
Cost: £5,250
Dates: June 29th – July 10th
Application Deadline: May 19th
Eligibility: International and UK students ages 16-18

University of Edinburgh: Pre-University Summer School offers two-week courses in a range of subjects. You’ll attend lectures, workshops, and engage in hands-on activities. The program subjects include design, life sciences, humanities, English language, and social sciences.

You’ll not only develop a deeper understanding of your chosen subject but also engage in a culturally rich and enjoyable social experience. The program helps you to explore University life from up close. Both UK and International students can apply to the program and experience an academically rich summer in Edinburgh.

Why it stands out: You take two-week courses in subjects like design, life sciences, or humanities with lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities. You explore university life up close while enjoying a culturally rich social experience in Edinburgh.

8. University of Southampton: The LifeLab Summer School

Location: University of Southampton, UK
Cost: £180 ($242.59); Criteria-based bursary spaces available
Dates: July 23-24
Application Deadline: To Be Announced
Eligibility: Grade 9th – 11th UK high school students

The LifeLab Summer School offers a two-day training experience to understand life and work as a doctor. You’ll gain hands-on experience in clinical skills, learn anatomy and pathology at the Centre for learning Anatomical Sciences, and go on visits to clinical areas.

You’ll interact with medical students, attend speaker sessions about life in medicine, and gain a practical understanding of how health care workers engage in their work. If you’re a high school student interested in pursuing and learning about a career in medicine and envision yourself as a doctor in the future, then this program is a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain hands-on clinical experience and witness life as a medical professional from up close.

9. Imperial College Girls’ Engineering Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington
Cost: Free
Dates: August 4-7
Application Deadline: March 18th
Eligibility: Year 9 girls in the UK who are interested in STEM

Imperial College Girls’ Engineering Summer School offers you to explore a range of engineering disciplines. You’ll participate in hands-on activities, taster sessions, and engaging talks. You’ll be introduced to your mentor as the program begins and get to interact with other students in your group.

During taster sessions, you’ll learn about the real-world applications of math and science from renowned speakers, participate in practical activities, and explore the different branches of engineering. Some of the departments that have delivered taster sessions in the past years include biomedical engineering, civil engineering, material science and engineering, and more. The program will conclude with a poster exhibition based on the subjects you have explored.

Why it stands out: You explore engineering disciplines like biomedical or civil through hands-on activities, taster sessions with renowned speakers, and mentor guidance. The program ends with your own poster exhibition.

10. University of Warwick Pre-University Summer School

Location: Warwick, England, United Kingdom
Cost: £5,250 + £50 (non-refundable) application fee
Dates: July 14th – July 24th
Application Deadline: May 31st
Eligibility: Students all over the world aged 16-17

University of Warwick Pre-University Summer School offers a close experience of University life. You’ll get to choose from five courses, including medicine and life sciences, health, science and engineering, business, arts and humanities, social sciences, and economics and finance. You’ll spend ten nights on Warwick’s beautiful campus, engage in academic activities, and learn from experienced faculty.

You’ll also explore the historic Warwick Castle and spend a day in the City of Oxford. If you’re interested in a program that offers both academic and cultural activities, then this can be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You choose from courses like medicine, engineering, or business, living 10 nights on Warwick’s campus with academic sessions from faculty. You also explore Warwick Castle and Oxford for a mix of university life and culture.

11. Imperial College Sutton Trust Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington, UK
Cost: Free
Dates: July 14-17 Or July 21-24
Application Deadline: March 5th
Eligibility: Year 12 Students from State Schools; UK-based

The Imperial College Sutton Trust Program offers you an immersive college life experience at Imperial. You’ll choose an academic department and a subject of your choice and gain practical skills. You’ll attend lectures, workshops, and laboratory sessions and learn from experts in your chosen subject area.

You’ll be offered a range of courses to choose from, including design engineering, biomedical engineering, biological sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and many more. On evenings, you’ll engage in team-building activities and explore the varying aspects of student life.

Why it stands out: You immerse yourself in college life at Imperial, choosing subjects like biomedical engineering or physics for lectures, workshops, labs, and expert guidance. Evenings bring team-building and student life exploration.

12. Oxford Future Innovators Summer School 

Location: Oxford University
Cost: From £8,995
Dates: July 19th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students of all nationalities aged 16-18

Oxford Future Climate Innovators Summer School offers you to explore the challenges related to climate change. You’ll participate in engaging discussions, work on small group projects, develop tech solutions, and receive guidance from experienced Oxford University faculty. Listening to guest speakers and industry experts will help you gain real-world insights.

Along with gaining knowledge and developing skills, you’ll also enjoy visits to UK heritage sites and museums. The program is a great opportunity to explore the local culture, beauty, and be a part of a global community of future leaders. 

Why it stands out: You work on climate change challenges through discussions, small group tech projects with Oxford faculty guidance, and insights from guest speakers. You also visit UK heritage sites and museums for cultural immersion.

13. Imperial College Year 10 Insights Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
Cost: Free
Dates: July 29th – August 1st
Application Deadline: March 11th
Eligibility: Year 10 students residing in and attending a school in the UK

Imperial College Year 10 Insights Summer School offers an immersive residential program that aims to inspire students to pursue science and engineering subjects. You’ll learn about University life, attend taster sessions, and interact with your mentor and other students. 

You’ll work in groups and prepare a poster explaining a concept you learned during the program. You’ll participate in an academic-style conference by the end of the week and present your poster to workshop leaders, guests, and your peers. The program is a great learning opportunity to engage in social activities through a busy pastoral programme.

Why it stands out: You create group posters on science/engineering concepts and present them at an academic-style conference to leaders, guests, and peers. You’ll gain unique inspiration through hands-on university simulation and social activities. 

14. Summer Academic Experience Courses

Location: University of St. Andrews, UK
Cost: £6,850 ($9,241.85); £500 deposit; Scholarships available
Dates: July 11th – August 1st
Application Deadline: April 6th
Eligibility: High school students ages 16-18; international students are welcome to apply

St. Andrew University’s Summer Academic Experience Courses offer you a three-week residential learning experience. You’ll connect with students from all over the world, learn from experienced university faculty, and experience a meaningful academic life. Some of the courses offered in the past years include medicine, psychology and neurology, physical science, mathematics and computer science, creative writing, sustainable development, and more.

Along with an immersive academic experience, the program also allows you to engage in extra-curricular activities and excursions to different places, including Edinburgh Dungeons, Castle Visits, the Cupar Deer Centre, and more.

Why it stands out: You’ll choose a course of your choice and gain in-depth knowledge, and go on fun trips to historically significant places.

15. Brown Experiential Education: Oxford

Location: Oxford University and London, UK
Cost: $8,270
Dates: July 6-17
Application Deadline: May 8th
Eligibility: Grade 10-12 students around the globe (ages: 16-18)

Brown Experiential Education: Oxford offers a 12-day immersive experience in biotechnology. You’ll go on site visits, interact with experts, and gain a deeper understanding of biotechnology breakthroughs. The program offers a unique blend of history and modern science through visits to biotech parks, research institutes, and historic sites.

You’ll interact with fellow scholars and understand the role of biotechnology in shaping the global landscape. If you’re interested in learning biotechnology at one of the top universities in the world without the pressure of formal grades, then this program can be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You immerse yourself in biotechnology over 12 days with site visits to biotech parks, research institutes, and historic sites, blending history with modern science breakthroughs from Oxford experts

From STEM Curiosity to University Readiness

STEM summer programs offer you more than academic enrichment. They introduce you to real research, practical problem-solving, and the expectations of university-level learning.

By joining any of these STEM summer programs in the UK for high school students, you gain clarity, confidence, and exposure to subjects that can shape your future degree choices and career goals.

From laboratory sessions to collaborative projects, these experiences help you build independence, critical thinking skills, and a strong foundation for competitive university applications.

Ready to explore what comes next? Visit our Study Abroad blogs for expert guidance on global destinations, subject pathways, and application strategies to support your academic journey.